Guide
In what order should I apply my skincare products?
Wash with a gentle cleanser, then apply any treatment product, then moisturizer and sunscreen, with makeup last if you wear it. In the morning, sunscreen is the final skincare step before makeup.
The basic sequence
The American Academy of Dermatology says the order of your products affects how well they work. Start by washing with a gentle cleanser, rinsing with lukewarm water and patting dry with a soft towel. Any medication or treatment product goes on next. Moisturizer and sunscreen follow, and makeup comes last. Anything prescribed is used as your prescriber directed.
Morning and evening
The morning ends with sunscreen, which the AAD suggests applying about 15 minutes before you head out, with makeup on top if you like. The evening uses the same structure without sunscreen. Many people slot a toner or serum between cleansing and moisturizer; that is a common convention rather than a fixed rule, so keep it only if it has a role for you.
Gentle hands, fewer layers
Use your ring finger around the eyes, since it pulls least on that delicate skin. Resist adding layer after layer: the AAD warns that too many products, especially several anti-aging ones at once, can irritate skin and even make signs of aging more noticeable. A short routine you follow well is a complete routine.
Try this
- Morning: cleanse, treatment, moisturizer, sunscreen, then makeup.
- Evening: the same order without sunscreen.
- Keep the number of products small.
A common mistake
Stacking many products, especially several anti-aging ones, on the idea that more layers bring better results.